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2017 mitsubishi lancer Model Overview

You’ll Like

Good handling

Available all-wheel drive

Generous warranty

You Won’t Like

Outdated compared to competition

Low build quality

Low MPG on the all-wheel-drive version

New for 2017

The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer now comes with a rearview camera and display audio as standard on all trims. Eighteen-inch two-tone alloy wheels are now standard on SE and SEL trims, and those trims can now be ordered with a new Sun and Sound Package. The GT trim has been dropped.

Vehicle Summary

The Lancer sedan is Mitsubishi’s long-running compact sedan that sits above the Mirage G4 in the automaker’s lineup.

Overview

The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer comes standard as front-wheel drive with a 2.0-liter I-4 that produces 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.4-liter I-4 has 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, and gets standard all-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter can be mated to either a CVT or five-speed manual transmission, and the 2.4-liter to a CVT.

The optional all-wheel drive is a plus for those who want it as the feature isn’t common in this class. The Sun and Sound package complements the interior with a power glass sunroof, 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with nine speakers, and satellite radio with a three-month subscription. Other available options include a navigation system with two annual Mapcare updates, alloy fuel door, LED floor illumination with LED map lights, premium shift knob, LED fog lights, trunk lid molding, rear park assist sensors, rear wing spoiler, remote engine start, and rear mudguards. Features on the Se and SEL trims include 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, heated front seats, leather seats, steering wheel, and shift knob.

Safety

The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer received a four-star overall rating (out of five stars) by the NHTSA, and four-star ratings for frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. When tested by the IIHS, the Lancer received the highest rating of Good in the moderate overlap front and side crash test, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. However, it was only able to manage a score of Acceptable in the small overlap front crash test.

It has been 10 years since the Lancer has had a major update or overhaul, and the sedan is showing its age. An optional 2.4-liter engine provides good power, the optional all-wheel drive is a plus, good handling makes the car fun to drive, and interior space is adequate. Besides that, the Lancer doesn’t have much to offer that other newer players can’t, especially now that the low-volume and fun-to-drive Ralliart and Evolution models are gone.

The last time we tested a regular non-turbocharged Lancer (non-Evolution or Ralliart) was in 2012 with a First Test review. We liked the Lancer’s power and handling but not the interior or the car’s refinement. “Inside, the Lancer feels as old as it is, with its dated center stack layout, cheap-feeling materials, and boringly flat door panels.”

2017 Mitsubishi Lancer News and Reviews

Mitsubishi is introducing a new Lancer trim that will serve as a last hurrah for the slow-selling sedan. The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Limited Edition goes on sale later this month for $20,660. Slotting just above the base ES 2.0, the Limited Edition features black treatments to the 16-inch wheels, roof, upper front grille garnish, fender garnish, and door mirrors. A…

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